Miami is known as the Magic City for many reasons. There are pristine beaches, a melting pot of cultures, lots of eateries offering delectable dishes, great shopping spots, and places to dance the night away. When in Miami – or, as denizens like to call it, the “305” – here are some must-see things to check out.

WHAT TO DO
Miami Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. It’s a must-stop for relaxing, sunbathing, and checking out some of the best-looking people. Take a stroll on touristy Ocean Drive and enjoy a mojito. Then hit up Lincoln Road for some of the best restaurants and shopping spots. It’s a favorite local hang out.

WHAT TO SEE
Wynwood Arts District. Over the last couple of years Wynwood has become the hotbed for artists, musicians, fashionistas, and hipsters. There are amazing outdoor murals, frequent model shoots, and plenty of new eateries and cafes popping up. The Wynwood Art Walk takes place the second Saturday of every month — art galleries everywhere open up and hundreds of people head out for one big, giant street party. One must-stop gallery for any style setter is Keni Valenti, Miami’s first fashion gallery. There you can see everything from designs by vintage YSL to Mr. Blackwell on exhibit.
Continue reading “Road Trip Across America: The Fashion Poet’s Guide to Miami” »

Road trips make for a quick and easy vacation – all you need is a weekend, a tank of gas, and some sort of destination. (the world’s biggest yarn ball? Sure, why not?) It’s a great way to explore the country and bond with friends and family, but if Chevy Chase, aka Clark Griswold (see National Lampoon’s Vacation), has taught me anything, it’s that you should always be prepared before hitting the open road. So to make sure your trip is a smooth ride, check out the tips below.

Get your car road trip ready.
Pretty basic but pretty important – get your oil changed, your fluids checked, and a spare tire in place before taking off. And as a backup? Well, having a AAA card never hurts.

Choose your companions carefully.
We’re talking car-sized confinement here, people. So that annoying friend you can only take in small doses? Leave them at home – trust me on this one.

Don’t put all your faith in technology.
There are times when even the best GPS malfunctions (tunnels, anyone?), so have a paper map on hand just in case.

Make a playlist.
From classics like Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ to Miley Cyrus’s Party in the U.S.A. (you know you love it), road trip tunes are essential.

Keep your camera close.
Whether it’s in your passenger’s lap or the middle console, keep that camera within reach – you never know what photographic gems you might come across on the open road.

Bypass high gas prices.
Break out that smart phone and download apps like GasBuddy to help you locate the best deals for gas on the go.

Pack snacks and trash bags.
Whether it’s soda or water, stick to bottles. Juice boxes and cans have a tendency to spill when the ride gets bumpy. And since you’ll be snacking throughout the trip, trash bags are always handy.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Have any road trip tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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4. Because dropping an ice pick is the ultimate “womp-womp,” rub ski wax onto your tool handles for an even more secure grip (they’ll also plunge into condensed the snow more smoothly). Ice Climb recommends using a wax meant for dry snow.

And even if you’re not ready to scale those icy peaks quite yet, tune in to an all-new TNT’s Falling Skies this Sunday at 9/8c, and get that adrenaline pumping.

-By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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In the midst of summer, whether it’s 90 degrees or cool and rainy, no one ever says no to frozen yogurt. (Especially since it might be the biggest craze since delivery pizza in the ’80s.) And no matter where you are in the country, there’s a fro yo place that’s calling your name. Take a drive this weekend and sample one of these – because why not?

Boston, MA
Pinkberry: We were a little late to get on the fro yo bandwagon in Boston, but Pinkberry’s still at the top of my list. It’s always worth the long lines you’ll find.

Mixx: This help-yourself fro yo bar charges by the ounce, so if you choose your toppings carefully, you could walk out the door having satisfied your sweet tooth for pennies. Almost.

Continue reading “Weekend “It” List: Hit the Road for Frozen Yogurt” »

Fans of Falling Skies, rejoice. In partnership with the hit TNT show, our For Adrenaline Junkies: Rock Climbing in Utah Boutique is bringing you your thrill-seeking fix for the week — a heart-pumping, breathtaking adventure through the Moab Desert. While you’re in the area, check out a few of Utah’s other jewels:

Bryce Canyon National Park
Don’t forget the camera! Canyons upon canyons of jagged rock formations jut out of the ground in this simply awe-inspiring park.

Zion National Park
Best known for its hike through the treacherous Narrows carved by the Virgin River and the dangerous Angel’s Landing (both of which should be hiked with caution), Zion also has easy walks that are stunning.

Arches National Park
Don’t miss the famous Delicate Arch —  the iconic arch formation seen in car commercials and movies — as well as 2,000 natural stone arches.

Canyonlands National Park
Highlights include Dead Horse Point, the Colorado River, and lush greenery surrounded by red rock formations.

To get your adrenaline pumping (but from the comfort of your own couch), tune in to an all new TNT’s Falling Skies this Sunday at 9/8c.

-By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Breathtaking mountaintop scenery. Heart-pounding snowy peaks. Push-yourself athletics. Survivalism at its greatest. This might not be Falling Skies‘ post-apocalyptic setting, but our For Adrenaline Junkies: Heliskiing in Colorado Boutique is pure thrill-seeking adventure. In partnership with TNT’s Falling Skies and led by expert guide Angela Hawse, this heliskiing (translation: extreme, off-trail skiing accessible only by helicopter) expedition through the San Juan Mountains is an experience of a lifetime.

And even if you’re not ready to take off on your own adventure quite yet, tune in to TNT’s Falling Skies this Sunday at 9/8c and get that adrenaline pumping.

- By Katie Flynn, Editor

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Who better to offer travel tips then folks who travel on the search for inspiration? We touched base with a few of our fave fashion world insiders to give us the lowdown. Stay tuned for more of these interviews throughout the month.

JOHN BARTLETT, DESIGNER

Escape: My hubby and I love the island of Mykonos in Greece. There is nothing sexier than an arid climate, beaches, mopeds, and fresh food. We spend every day pretty much the same: wake up, brekkie, beach, repeat.
Must-Haves: My Nook with at least four new Scandinavian thrillers downloaded, my Bodum portable travel coffee press with a bag of ground Citarella French roast coffee (no one makes coffee the way I like it), and my JB dog-camo print swim trunks.
Next Stop: We’re headed to Mykonos in late June. Hope to see you there!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

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At these incredible destinations, enjoying every moment of the big day is easy. Once the vows have been made, it’s time to relax from all the excitement (and let’s be honest, those pesky nerves, too). Here’s how to kick back and honeymoon to the fullest, all while seeing the best of what’s around.

La Maltese Estate – Santorini, Greece

Can’t-miss island excursion: Explore the excavations of Akrotiri, or take a boat tour to the nearby volcano and white beach.
Bring home some Greek goodies: From Santorini’s famed Vinsanto wine to sundried tomatoes and olive oil, stock up on these edible souvenirs at any local island shop.
Best local watering hole: Sip local wines and cocktails at the hotel’s own bar, The Day Lounge.
Don’t forget to pack: A Just Cavalli white bandeau bikini and a camera for seeing the sights.

Lake Placid Lodge – Lake Placid, New York

Best way to take in the surrounding scenery: A drive through the mountains. The Lodge is partnered with Lexus, so you can take out some wheels to explore on your own.
Most romantic spot for a sunrise: Take in a glowing sunrise on a canoe or kayak from the pristine waters of Lake Placid.
Continue reading “Perfect Wedding, Check. Now Time to Explore.” »

Ever wonder what makes a spa so calming? (Aside from the massages, of course.) Us, too. So we turned to the pros at Lake Austin to find out how they turn their treatment rooms into the soothing sanctuaries we can’t wait to get away to.

Our Lake Austin Spa Resort Boutique is now open.

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With this day-to-day guide, packing puzzles fly out the window – meaning more time to relax and get ready for whatever vacation awaits you.

For 3 Days: Long beach weekends are all about the basics.
2 Bathing suits
1 pair of jean cutoffs for her, simple shorts for him
Continue reading “The Packing Guide with Tumi Essentials” »